First Mode

Today, First Mode is a topic of great relevance and interest to many people around the world. From its historical origin to its impact on today's society, First Mode has captured the attention of both experts and the general population. As we delve into this topic, we discover the complexity and diversity of perspectives surrounding it. In this article, we will explore the different facets of First Mode and analyze its influence on various aspects of daily life. From its origins to its evolution today, First Mode has left a significant mark on history and continues to generate debates and reflections in modern society.

First Mode Holdings, Inc.
Company typeSubsidiary
IndustryIndustrial services
FoundedMarch 14, 2018 (2018-03-14) in Seattle, Washington, U.S.
Founder
  • Rhae Adams
  • Spencer Anunsen
  • Colin Bateson
  • Riley Chapin
  • Krunal Desai
  • Brian Geddes
  • Peter Illsley
  • Maggie Scholtz
  • Josh Sweere
  • Chris Voorhees
  • Josh Weiss
Area served
Worldwide
Key people
  • Julian Soles (CEO)
Products
  • Hybrid powerplants
  • Vehicle retrofit kits
  • Liquid hydrogen refueling stations
Number of employees
175 (2024)
Websitefirstmode.com

First Mode is a multinational decarbonization company that designs, manufactures, and distributes hybrid battery systems and hydrogen fuel cell technologies for heavy duty mining and rail vehicles, along with hydrogen refueling equipment. The company has operations in Australia, Europe, North America and South America.

It won Fast Company’s 2023 World Changing Ideas awards for the creation of the world's largest operating hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicle.[1]

History

First Mode was founded on March 14, 2018 in the Seattle, Washington area by 11 former members of asteroid mining company Planetary Resources.[2]

First Mode partnered with mining corporation Anglo American plc in 2019, signing a three-year agreement to develop a diesel alternative for the company's fleet of mining haul trucks.[3]

On May 6, 2022, First Mode and Anglo American debuted the world's first and largest hydrogen-powered mine haul truck at the Mogalakwena platinum mine in South Africa with a converted Komatsu 930E Haulpak truck.[4] It successfully completed operational trials in May 2023.[5]

In January 2023, First Mode and Anglo American announced the signing of a $200 million binding agreement to combine First Mode with the Anglo American nuGen team, thereby making Anglo American the majority shareholder.[6] The two companies also signed a supply agreement for First Mode to provide Anglo American with several additional hybrid powerplant retrofit kits for mining haul trucks.[2] These are slated to be demonstrated on Komatsu 930E and 830E platforms in early 2024.[5]

In December 2024, First Mode filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection after being unable to find a buyer for its assets. The company plans to sell its assets and wind down operations through support from Angelo American.[7]

In February 2025 Cummins announced the acquiery of First Mode including its assets, the hybrid mining and rail product lines, the intellectual property and the operations in Australia, the United States and Chile which will operate under Cummins' Power Systems segment.[8]

See also

References

  1. ^ Peters, Adele (2 May 2023). "This massive zero-emissions truck can help shrink mining's footprint". Fast Company. Retrieved 5 July 2023.
  2. ^ a b Mittge, Brian (20 June 2023). "Heavy-duty hydrogen". Washington Business Magazine. pp. 26–28. Retrieved 7 August 2023.
  3. ^ Conroy, Bill (18 December 2019). "First Mode Inks $13.5M Contract to Develop Green Technologies for Mining Giant Anglo American". Seattle Business Magazine. Retrieved 7 August 2023.
  4. ^ Chen, Adeline (6 October 2022). "The world's first hydrogen-powered haul truck could help clean up the mining industry". CNN. Retrieved 7 August 2023.
  5. ^ a b Moore, Paul (July 2023). "An orchestrated ecosystem". International Mining. pp. 42–44.
  6. ^ "Anglo combines nuGen™ Zero Emissions Haulage Solution with First Mode". Mining Review Africa. 8 December 2022. Retrieved 7 August 2023.
  7. ^ Soper, Taylor (December 17, 2024). "First Mode files for bankruptcy in sudden downfall for clean trucking company". GeekWire. Retrieved December 19, 2024.
  8. ^ "Cummins acquires First Mode assets for decarbonization leadership in mining". Cummins Inc. 2025-02-11. Retrieved 2025-02-12.